A Conversation with China Gorman, Managing Director, UNLEASH America

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This year UNLEASH returns to the US in May to bring a fresh perspective on the Future of Work in an era of technological disruption and innovation. China shares her insights on the Future of Work and its impact on culture.

What is UNLEASH America?

UNLEASH is the new brand name for what has historically been the most successful global HR Tech events in the world. Our founder, Marc Coleman, led a rebrand of our work last year so that we can widen our focus from all things HR Tech to all things leadership and the future of work. Obviously, the future of works involves technology. And AI. And robotics. And Big Data. And on and on and on. But for sure, the future of work involves the effective leadership of people as they are unleashed to be their best, most productive and innovative selves. And this is where UNLEASH will expand its remit – whether in the U.S. (this year in May in Las Vegas), in London, in Amsterdam, in Paris, or anywhere else in the world.

UNLEASH is for leaders of all stripes who want to unleash the potential and power of their people! We bring thought-provoking influencers from across the globe together to share their insights about the opportunities all organizations have to harness the Future of Work to work to their advantage. This isn’t just an HR conference, or just an HR tech conference. This is the place where groundbreaking discussions happen between organization leaders, innovators, bleeding edge start-ups, and true thought leaders. UNLEASH creates the space, the stage, the experience – ALL the ingredients needed – to have world- and business-changing conversations.

What can different cultures learn from each other?

Organization and societal cultures around the world have much more in common than they do real differences. For example, people all over the world need new and continuing education to develop skills that make and keep them competitive in the job market. People all over the world want to make a difference through their work. They want to be unleashed to be their most productive selves. So, UNLEASH helps leaders understand how to maximize the commonalities and take advantage of the differences for organizational growth, innovation, and success. Whether we’re talking with educators setting up systems to educate refugees (and their children) in Northern Africa, or leaders of non-profits that support the economic re-entry of American felons who have completed their sentences, or whether we’re discussing global organizations’ needs for talent in far-flung areas of the globe – UNLEASH brings to light leadership beliefs, cultural nuances, and organizational commitments to UNLEASH the power of people – ALL people – all over the world.

Do small companies and/or start-ups have a place at UNLEASH America or is it just for big corporations?

UNLEASH’s predecessor, HR Tech World, introduced the start-up ecosystem to the world of HR-related live events in 2011. And since that time has been defining the inclusion of the HR tech-related innovation in live events as a primary focus rather than a footnote all over the world. UNLEASH’s start-up ecosystem, led by Anna Ott, has provided much-needed oxygen, access to capital, and exposure for more than 200 HR Tech startups over the last 8 years. UNLEASH has created awareness for organizations in their formative years including SmartRecruiters, JobandTalent, CultureAmp, Textio, Good.co – and many others – that has resulted in overall investments of more than $110 million! Many have grown out of “startup” status and now join other successful enterprises on the exhibit floor.

Who are you most looking forward to hearing speak?

In Las Vegas, I can’t wait to hear from Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X! He’s never keynoted at a conference before, so this will be good. Really good! Also, we have a host of top HR leaders from companies like Microsoft, Walgreens, Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, GE Digital, UPS – and those are just the speakers we’ve announced. There are many more that haven’t been announced yet. We’ll have 12 stages, and more than 100 speakers before we’re finished!

What do you see as the biggest trends in "Future of Work"? Does this vary from culture to culture?

The biggest trend in discussing the Future of Work is that most aren’t really focused on the “Future” of work. They’re focused on the “Tomorrow” and “Day after tomorrow” of work. UNLEASH is really focusing on the future: not days away, but years away. And that’s an exciting differentiator!

UNLEASH is unique in the Future of Work space because of its global presence (among other reasons). What can we, as Americans, expect to learn as a result?

We’ll hear from global leaders in a number of disciplines. For example, MO Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X will join us in Las Vegas this year, along with noted analysts like Naomi Bloom, Josh Bersin, and Stacey Harris. CHROs from Microsoft, GE Digital, Spotify, Reddit, and leaders from a whole host of start-ups, established/growing companies, and global enterprises – not just HR and not just Americans. We’ll be exposed to thinkers, innovators, scientists, analysts, and leaders from all over the world. This is the UNLEASH difference – we’re not in the HR Tech business, we’re in the change the world for the greater good business! And our content, our speakers, our sponsors, our attendees (who are curated, by the way) – all of us – come together to create a future-oriented, highly participative, live event designed to educate, inspire, challenge, and motivate everyone who participates. It truly is a unique experience and ecosystem.

Finally, what are the specifics--Where, when, how do we go to UNLEASH America?

UNLEASH America 2018 is being held at the Aria Resort in my hometown, Las Vegas, on May 15 and 16. You can learn more here and you can register here. May is the perfect time to visit Las Vegas – it’s not too hot, it’s not too crowded, and UNLEASH is there!